This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
